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A1 verb #300 가장 일반적인 9분 분량

告诉

gaosu 상위 300

At the A1 level, '告诉' (gàosu) is a vital functional verb that allows learners to move beyond simple naming and into the realm of basic interaction. At this stage, you should focus on the most common sentence structure: Subject + 告诉 + Person + Information. For example, 'Tell me your name' or 'I told him.' The primary challenge for A1 students is distinguishing '告诉' from '说' (shuō). A helpful rule of thumb is that '告诉' always needs a person as its immediate object. You don't just 'tell,' you 'tell someone.' At A1, you will use this word to share basic personal information, ask for directions, or relay simple facts. It is one of the first verbs that introduces the concept of a 'double object' (the person being told and the thing being told) without needing complex prepositions like 'to' in English. Mastery at this level means being able to use '告诉' in short, three-to-five-word sentences to facilitate basic needs and social exchanges.

At the A2 level, learners begin to use '告诉' (gàosu) in more complex sentence structures, including the use of the past tense marker '了' (le) and simple modal verbs like '能' (néng) or '可以' (kěyǐ). You will start to hear and use '告诉' in the context of giving and receiving instructions, such as 'The teacher told us to do homework' or 'Can you tell me how to get to the bank?' A2 learners should also become comfortable with the negative form '没告诉' (didn't tell). This level also introduces the 'bǎ' (把) construction in a very basic way, such as '把这件事告诉他' (Tell him about this matter). You are moving from simple facts to more descriptive information sharing. You might also start to notice that the second syllable '诉' is often pronounced with a neutral tone in natural speech, and practicing this will help your fluency. The focus at A2 is on using '告诉' to manage daily life tasks and slightly more detailed social interactions.

At the B1 level, '告诉' (gàosu) is used to convey opinions, reasons, and more abstract information. Instead of just telling someone a name or a place, you might tell someone 'why' you are late or 'what' you think about a movie. The 'message' part of the sentence often becomes a full clause: 'He told me that he wants to study abroad next year.' B1 learners should also start to distinguish '告诉' from more specific synonyms like '通知' (tōngzhī - to notify) and '讲' (jiǎng - to explain/tell a story). You will encounter '告诉' in more varied contexts, such as in work meetings or when discussing news. You should also be able to use '告诉' in conditional sentences, like 'If you see him, tell him to call me.' At this stage, your use of '告诉' should feel fluid, and you should be able to handle the 'double object' structure even when the second object is a long, complex sentence.

At the B2 level, '告诉' (gàosu) appears in more sophisticated linguistic environments. You will use it to describe the transfer of complex information, such as 'The data tells us that the economy is improving' (数据告诉我们...). This metaphorical use—where the subject is not a person but a thing or a situation—is a hallmark of B2 proficiency. You will also learn to use '告诉' in conjunction with more advanced grammar, such as resultative complements or within 'passive' structures (though '告诉' is rarely used in the 'bèi' construction, it often appears in 'shì...de' structures for emphasis). B2 learners should be sensitive to the register; they should know when '告诉' is appropriate and when a more formal word like '汇报' (huìbào - to report) or '传达' (chuándá - to convey) is required by the social context. You are now using the word not just to communicate, but to describe the process of communication itself.

At the C1 level, '告诉' (gàosu) is used with a high degree of nuance and precision. You will encounter it in literature and high-level journalism, often to highlight the significance of a revelation or the weight of a shared secret. C1 learners should understand the subtle emotional undertones that '告诉' can carry depending on the context—for example, the difference between a casual 'telling' and a 'telling' that implies a heavy responsibility or a life-changing secret. You will also be able to use '告诉' in complex rhetorical structures and idiomatic expressions. At this level, you are expected to have a perfect grasp of the word's syntax, including its interaction with various particles and its placement within long, multi-clausal sentences. You can also discuss the etymology of the characters '告' and '诉' and how their historical meanings inform the modern usage of the word.

At the C2 level, '告诉' (gàosu) is used with native-like mastery, including an appreciation for its role in the subtlest forms of social maneuvering. You understand when a speaker uses '告诉' to simplify a complex situation or when they choose it over a more formal term to create a sense of intimacy or directness. You can use '告诉' in highly abstract or philosophical discussions, such as 'History tells us...' or 'Experience tells us...' with perfect naturalness. C2 learners can also identify and use rare or literary synonyms and understand how '告诉' fits into the broader landscape of Chinese verbs of communication. Your use of the word is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, characterized by perfect tone, appropriate register, and the ability to use it to convey not just information, but subtext, irony, and complex emotional states.

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

告诉 30초 만에

告诉 (gàosu) is the standard Chinese verb for 'to tell' or 'to inform,' requiring a direct recipient of the information.
It differs from 说 (shuō) because it focuses on the person being told rather than the act of speaking itself.
The basic grammar pattern is Subject + 告诉 + Person + Thing, without needing prepositions like 'to' or 'with.'
It is used in everyday life for everything from sharing secrets to giving directions and reporting simple facts.

The Chinese verb 告诉 (gàosu) is one of the most fundamental building blocks of communication in the Mandarin language. At its core, it translates to 'to tell' or 'to inform.' While English speakers might use 'say,' 'tell,' or 'speak' somewhat interchangeably in casual conversation, 告诉 has a very specific functional role: it is used when information is being transferred from one person to another. It implies a direct recipient of the information. If you are simply uttering words, you use 说 (shuō), but if you are directing those words to someone to provide them with knowledge or a message, you must use 告诉.

Direct Information Transfer: This is the most common usage. It involves a sender, a receiver, and a message. For example, 'I told him the news.' In Chinese, this structure is very rigid: Subject + 告诉 + Person + Information.
Instructional Context: When a teacher or a parent provides instructions or rules, 告诉 is used to emphasize the act of informing the subordinate of what needs to be known or done.
Formal Notifications: While more formal words like 通知 (tōngzhī) exist, 告诉 is perfectly acceptable in semi-formal business settings to convey that a decision or fact has been shared with a team.

请告诉我你的电话号码。
(Qǐng gàosu wǒ nǐ de diànhuà hàomǎ.)
Please tell me your phone number.

In social dynamics, 告诉 is neutral. It doesn't carry the weight of a 'confession' (which would be 交代 jiāodài) or the 'reporting' to a superior (which would be 汇报 huìbào). It is the standard, go-to verb for sharing any piece of information, whether it is a secret, a simple fact, or a complex story. Understanding the nuance between 告诉 and 说 is the first major hurdle for A1 learners. Remember: you say words, but you tell people. If there is a 'me,' 'him,' or 'them' immediately following the verb, 告诉 is your best friend.

他没有告诉我真相。
(Tā méiyǒu gàosu wǒ zhēnxiàng.)
He did not tell me the truth.

Historically, the characters themselves provide insight. 告 (gào) originally depicted a mouth below a cow, suggesting an announcement or a report of a sacrifice. 诉 (sù) combines the 'speech' radical with a 'halberd' or 'axe,' implying a sharp, clear communication or even a complaint. Together, they form a powerful verb that covers the entire spectrum of informing others about the world around us.

Mastering the sentence patterns of 告诉 (gàosu) is essential for clear communication. Unlike many other Chinese verbs that require complex particles, 告诉 follows a relatively straightforward 'Double Object' pattern that mirrors the English 'tell someone something.' However, there are specific nuances regarding negation and time markers that learners must grasp to sound natural.

The Basic Pattern: S + 告诉 + Person + Message: This is the foundation. Example: 我告诉他。 (I tell him.) Note that the 'message' can be a single noun or an entire clause. Example: 我告诉他我要去北京。 (I told him I am going to Beijing.)
Using '把' (bǎ) with 告诉: When the information is a specific 'thing' that has already been mentioned or is the focus of the sentence, we use the bǎ construction. Pattern: S + 把 + Message + 告诉 + Person. Example: 请把这件事告诉他。 (Please tell him about this matter.)
Negation with '没' and '不': To say you didn't tell someone, use 没 (méi) or 没有 (méiyǒu). Example: 他没告诉我。 (He didn't tell me.) Use 不 (bù) for habitual actions or future intent: 我不告诉他。 (I won't tell him.)

你能不能告诉我怎么走？
(Nǐ néng bù néng gàosu wǒ zěnme zǒu?)
Can you tell me how to get there?

One common area of confusion is the use of the particle 了 (le). Because 告诉 often describes an action that has already happened (informing someone), 了 is frequently attached to the end of the verb or the sentence. However, if the sentence ends with a long clause (e.g., 'I told him that I don't like eating apples'), the 了 is often omitted or placed after the verb: 我告诉了他那个秘密。 (I told him that secret.)

谁告诉你的？
(Shéi gàosu nǐ de?)
Who told you?

In more advanced usage, 告诉 can be used metaphorically. For instance, 'His expression tells me he is unhappy' (他的表情告诉我他不开心). This mirrors English perfectly and allows for expressive, descriptive language. Whether you are sharing a secret, giving directions, or reporting a fact, the structure remains consistent, making it one of the most reliable verbs in your vocabulary.

In the daily life of a Chinese speaker, 告诉 (gàosu) is omnipresent. From the moment you wake up to the time you go to bed, you are either being 'told' something or 'telling' something to others. Its frequency in spoken Mandarin is exceptionally high because it covers all forms of information exchange that aren't formal reports or casual chatter.

In the Family Home: Parents use it constantly with children: 'Tell me what happened at school' (告诉我学校发生了什么). It is the primary verb for parental guidance and the sharing of daily updates between spouses.
In the Workplace: While 'inform' (通知) is used for official emails, colleagues at the water cooler or in quick meetings will say, 'Tell me when the meeting starts' (开会的时候告诉我). It is the language of collaboration.
In Romantic Relationships: The phrase 'Tell me you love me' (告诉我你爱我) is a staple of C-dramas and Mandopop lyrics. It carries emotional weight and intimacy.

别告诉别人这个秘密。
(Bié gàosu biérén zhège mìmì.)
Don't tell others this secret.

You will also hear 告诉 in public service announcements, though often in its more formal variant. However, if a stranger is helping you with directions on the street in Shanghai or Beijing, they will likely say, 'Let me tell you how to get to the subway station' (让我告诉你怎么去地铁站). It bridges the gap between formal instruction and casual help.

医生告诉我要多休息。
(Yīshēng gàosu wǒ yào duō xiūxi.)
The doctor told me to rest more.

Finally, in the digital age, 告诉 has transitioned to WeChat and social media. People often send voice notes saying, 'I'll tell you the details later' (我等一下再告诉你). It remains the primary verb for the transfer of information, regardless of the medium. Whether spoken, written, or shouted, 告诉 is the thread that connects the sender to the receiver in the vast tapestry of Chinese communication.

For English speakers learning Chinese, 告诉 (gàosu) presents a few 'false friend' traps and grammatical hurdles. Because the English word 'tell' is so versatile, learners often over-apply it or use it with the wrong sentence structures. Avoiding these five common errors will immediately make your Chinese sound more authentic and grammatically correct.

Mistake 1: Confusing '告诉' with '说' (shuō): This is the #1 error. Learners often say 我说他... when they mean 'I told him.' Remember: 说 is 'to say/speak' (focus on the action of speaking), while 告诉 is 'to tell' (focus on the recipient). You cannot 'tell' a language (tell Chinese), and you cannot 'say' a person (say him).
Mistake 2: Adding '对' (duì) or '跟' (gēn): In English, we say 'I said TO him.' In Chinese, you say 我对他说. However, with 告诉, the person follows the verb directly. Saying 我对他告诉 is incorrect. It must be 我告诉他.
Mistake 3: Forgetting the Recipient: In English, you can say 'Tell me!' or just 'Tell!' (in specific contexts). In Chinese, 告诉 almost always requires an object. If you don't specify who you are telling, the sentence feels incomplete. If you just want to say 'Speak up,' use 说吧 (shuō ba).

❌ 我跟他告诉那个秘密。
(Wǒ gēn tā gàosu nàge mìmì.)
✅ 我告诉他那个秘密。
(Wǒ gàosu tā nàge mìmì.)

Another subtle mistake involves the tone of the second syllable. While 诉 is technically 4th tone (sù), in the compound 告诉, it is often pronounced with a neutral tone (su) in standard mainland Mandarin. Pronouncing it too sharply as 'gào-SÙ' can sound a bit robotic or overly emphatic. Aim for a light, quick second syllable: 'gào-su.'

❌ 他告诉得很快。
(Tā gàosu de hěn kuài.)
✅ 他说得很快。
(Tā shuō de hěn kuài.)
(Note: You speak fast, you don't 'tell' fast.)

Finally, watch out for the 'Double Object' order. It is always [Person] then [Thing]. If you reverse them without using the 把 construction, the sentence will be unintelligible. Keep it simple: Verb + Who + What. By sticking to this formula and avoiding the 'to' preposition, you'll master 告诉 in no time.

While 告诉 (gàosu) is the most versatile word for 'telling,' Mandarin offers a rich array of alternatives that specify the how, the who, and the why of the communication. Choosing the right word can elevate your Chinese from basic to sophisticated.

通知 (tōngzhī) vs. 告诉: 通知 means 'to notify' or 'to inform' in a formal or official capacity. You use 告诉 for a friend, but a company 通知 its employees about a holiday. 通知 often implies a one-way announcement.
汇报 (huìbào) vs. 告诉: 汇报 is 'to report' to a superior. If you tell your boss about your progress, you are 汇报-ing. Using 告诉 with a high-level executive might sound slightly too casual or even disrespectful in a very traditional Chinese hierarchy.
表达 (biǎodá) vs. 告诉: 表达 means 'to express.' Use this for feelings, emotions, or abstract ideas. You 告诉 someone a fact, but you 表达 your gratitude or your love.

公司通知我们明天放假。
(Gōngsī tōngzhī wǒmen míngtiān fàngjià.)
The company notified us that tomorrow is a holiday.

Other specialized words include 透露 (tòulù), which means 'to reveal' or 'to leak' (like a secret or insider information), and 嘱咐 (zhǔfù), which means 'to enjoin' or 'to urge' (often used by elders giving advice to younger people). If you are 'telling' a story, you can use 讲 (jiǎng), as in 讲故事 (tell a story).

他向媒体透露了计划。
(Tā xiàng méitǐ tòulùle jìhuà.)
He revealed the plan to the media.

In summary, while 告诉 is your 'Swiss Army Knife' for communication, being aware of these alternatives allows you to be more precise. Use 告诉 for 90% of your daily interactions, but reach for 通知 in the office and 汇报 when talking to your supervisor to show your mastery of Chinese social registers.

How Formal Is It?

격식체

"请告知您的联系方式。"

중립

"他告诉我他明天不来。"

비격식체

"快告诉我！"

Child friendly

"宝宝，告诉妈妈你想吃什么？"

속어

"我跟你讲..."

재미있는 사실

In ancient times, '告' was often used in legal contexts to mean 'to sue' or 'to accuse,' a meaning that still exists in modern words like '原告' (plaintiff) and '被告' (defendant).

발음 가이드

UK /ɡaʊ.suː/

US /ɡaʊ.suː/

The stress is on the first syllable 'gào'.

라임이 맞는 단어

报 (bào) 道 (dào) 笑 (xiào) 教 (jiào) 到 (dào) 少 (shǎo) 考 (kǎo) 好 (hǎo)

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing 'su' with a full 4th tone (sù) in casual conversation, which sounds too formal.
Confusing the 'g' sound with a 'k' sound.
Making the 'ao' sound too much like 'oh'.
Failing to drop the pitch sharply on the first syllable.
Stressing the second syllable instead of the first.

난이도

독해 1/5

The characters are common and learned early in A1.

쓰기 2/5

The character '诉' has a few strokes but is generally easy to memorize.

말하기 1/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, though the neutral tone on 'su' takes practice.

듣기 1/5

Very frequently heard in daily conversation.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

我 (wǒ) 你 (nǐ) 说 (shuō) 话 (huà) 名字 (míngzi)

다음에 배울 것

通知 (tōngzhī) 秘密 (mìmì) 事情 (shìqing) 真理 (zhēnlǐ) 汇报 (huìbào)

고급

透露 (tòulù) 传达 (chuándá) 嘱咐 (zhǔfù) 告诫 (gàojiè) 申诉 (shēnsù)

알아야 할 문법

Double Object Verbs

我告诉(V)他(O1)秘密(O2)。

The 'Ba' Construction

把他告诉我的话记下来。

Neutral Tone in Compounds

告(gào)诉(su) - the second syllable is light.

Negation with 'Mei'

他没告诉我这件事。

Indirect Speech

他告诉我他很累。

수준별 예문

请告诉我你的名字。

Please tell me your name.

Basic 'tell me' structure: 告诉 + 我 + 名字.

他告诉我他在家。

He told me he is at home.

The 'message' is a simple clause: 他在家.

妈妈告诉我多喝水。

Mom told me to drink more water.

Using '告诉' to relay simple advice or instructions.

我没告诉你吗？

Didn't I tell you?

Negative question using '没...吗'.

谁告诉你这件事的？

Who told you about this?

The 'shì...de' construction for emphasizing the 'who'.

老师告诉我们要看书。

The teacher told us to read books.

Subject (Teacher) + 告诉 + Object (Us) + Action.

请告诉他我来了。

Please tell him I've arrived.

Using '告诉' to relay a status update.

他没有告诉我真相。

He didn't tell me the truth.

Negation with '没有'.

你能告诉我火车站怎么走吗？

Can you tell me how to get to the train station?

Using '告诉' for asking directions with '怎么走'.

我忘了告诉他今天的会议取消了。

I forgot to tell him today's meeting is canceled.

Verb '忘了' (forgot) followed by the '告诉' action.

医生告诉他要少抽烟。

The doctor told him to smoke less.

Professional advice using '告诉'.

请把你的电话号码告诉我。

Please tell me your phone number.

Using the '把' construction to focus on the phone number.

我告诉过你，我不喜欢吃苹果。

I've told you, I don't like eating apples.

Using '过' to indicate a past experience of telling.

他告诉我他明天会来参加生日聚会。

He told me he will come to the birthday party tomorrow.

Future intent within the told message.

别告诉别人我在这里。

Don't tell others I am here.

Imperative '别' (don't) with '告诉'.

我正想告诉你这件事呢。

I was just about to tell you about this.

Using '正想...呢' for immediate intent.

他告诉我他为什么要辞职。

He told me why he wants to resign.

The object is a 'why' (为什么) clause.

我想告诉你我对这个计划的看法。

I want to tell you my views on this plan.

Sharing opinions using '告诉'.

如果你见到他，请告诉他我很想他。

If you see him, please tell him I miss him.

Conditional '如果...就' structure (implied).

收音机告诉我们今天会有大雨。

The radio told us there will be heavy rain today.

Metaphorical use where the subject is an object (radio).

他告诉我他已经处理好那个问题了。

He told me he has already handled that problem.

Reporting completion of a task.

没有人告诉我今天放假。

No one told me today was a holiday.

Using '没有人' as the subject.

请告诉大家，会议推迟到三点了。

Please tell everyone the meeting is postponed to 3 o'clock.

Addressing a group ('大家').

他告诉我他小时候住在上海。

He told me he lived in Shanghai when he was a child.

Sharing biographical information.

事实告诉我们，这个实验失败了。

The facts tell us that this experiment failed.

Abstract subject '事实' (facts).

他告诉我，他并不在意别人的眼光。

He told me that he doesn't care about others' opinions.

Conveying a personal philosophy or attitude.

你可以告诉我你这么做的理由吗？

Can you tell me your reason for doing this?

Asking for justification or logic.

他的眼神告诉我他正在撒谎。

His eyes told me he was lying.

Metaphorical use with body language as the subject.

我一直想找个机会告诉你我的真实感受。

I've been looking for a chance to tell you my true feelings.

Complex intent with '一直想找个机会'.

他告诉我，他已经把所有的钱都捐给了慈善机构。

He told me he had donated all his money to charity.

Reporting a significant life event.

请告诉我，我该如何才能改进我的工作？

Please tell me, how can I improve my work?

Asking for constructive criticism.

经验告诉我，处理这种事情需要耐心。

Experience tells me that handling this kind of thing requires patience.

Abstract subject '经验' (experience).

历史告诉我们，和平是来之不易的。

History tells us that peace is hard-won.

Grand, historical subject '历史'.

他告诉我，他已经看透了名利场。

He told me he had seen through the vanity fair.

Using idiomatic expressions ('名利场') within the message.

直觉告诉我，这件事并没有表面上那么简单。

Intuition tells me this matter is not as simple as it seems.

Abstract subject '直觉' (intuition).

他告诉我，他打算隐姓埋名，去一个没人认识他的地方。

He told me he intended to live incognito in a place where no one knew him.

Using the idiom '隐姓埋名' (to live incognito).

请告诉他，我对他最近的表现感到非常失望。

Please tell him that I am very disappointed with his recent performance.

Conveying complex emotional states and professional judgment.

他告诉我，他的一生都在追求真理。

He told me that his whole life has been a pursuit of truth.

Reporting a lifelong ambition or philosophy.

数据告诉我们，气候变化的影响正在加速。

The data tells us that the impacts of climate change are accelerating.

Scientific context with '数据' (data).

他告诉我，他并不后悔当初的选择。

He told me he did not regret his original choice.

Reflecting on past decisions with '后悔' (regret).

时代的脉搏告诉我们，变革已在弦上。

The pulse of the times tells us that change is imminent.

Highly metaphorical and literary subject.

他告诉我，他已将往事付诸东流。

He told me he had let the past drift away like water.

Using the literary idiom '付诸东流'.

各种迹象告诉我们，市场即将迎来一场风暴。

Various signs tell us that the market is about to face a storm.

Using '迹象' (signs/indications) in a professional context.

他告诉我，他始终坚信人性本善。

He told me he has always firmly believed in the innate goodness of humanity.

Discussing deep philosophical convictions ('人性本善').

潜意识告诉我，我曾经在梦里见过这个场景。

My subconscious tells me I've seen this scene in a dream before.

Using '潜意识' (subconscious) as the subject.

他告诉我，他已经厌倦了尔虞我诈的职场生活。

He told me he was tired of the deceitful life in the workplace.

Using the idiom '尔虞我诈' (mutual deception).

理智告诉我应该放弃，但情感却让我坚持。

Reason tells me to give up, but emotion makes me persist.

Contrasting '理智' (reason) and '情感' (emotion) as subjects.

他告诉我，他的一生不过是沧海一粟。

He told me his life was but a drop in the ocean.

Using the literary idiom '沧海一粟'.

자주 쓰는 조합

告诉秘密

告诉真相

告诉地址

告诉理由

告诉消息

告诉名字

告诉电话

告诉怎么走

告诉怎么做

告诉看法

자주 쓰는 구문

实不相瞒

奔走相告

恕不奉告

无话不谈

直言相告

私下告诉

悄悄告诉

当面告诉

如实告诉

转告

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告诉 vs 说 (shuō)

说 is 'to say/speak' (focus on action), 告诉 is 'to tell' (focus on recipient).

告诉 vs 谈 (tán)

谈 is 'to talk/discuss' (implies a two-way conversation).

告诉 vs 讲 (jiǎng)

讲 is often used for explaining or telling stories in detail.

관용어 및 표현

"奔走相告"

People run around to tell each other the news. Used for exciting or important public news.

申奥成功的消息传来，人们奔走相告。

Formal/Literary

"直言不讳"

To speak bluntly without any reservations. Related to 'telling' honestly.

他直言不讳地指出了我的错误。

Formal

"知无不言"

To say everything one knows without holding back.

只要你问，我一定知无不言。

Formal

"言无不尽"

To tell everything in great detail.

他对我的提问言无不尽。

Formal

"口传心授"

To teach or tell someone something through word of mouth and personal instruction.

这种手艺一直是口传心授的。

Literary

"不言而喻"

It goes without saying; so obvious it doesn't need telling.

这个道理是不言而喻的。

Formal

"开诚布公"

To speak frankly and sincerely; to tell everything openly.

我们应该开诚布公地谈一谈。

Formal

"推心置腹"

To tell someone one's innermost thoughts; very sincere telling.

他们进行了一次推心置腹的谈话。

Literary

"言之凿凿"

To tell something with certainty and evidence.

他言之凿凿地保证这件事是真的。

Literary

"信口开河"

To tell lies or talk nonsense without thinking.

你不要在这里信口开河。

Informal

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告诉 vs 通知

Both mean 'inform'.

通知 is official/formal; 告诉 is personal/general.

老师通知我们考试，妈妈告诉我吃饭。

告诉 vs 报告

Both involve sharing info.

报告 is a formal report to a superior.

我向老板报告工作。

告诉 vs 汇报

Both involve sharing info.

汇报 is specifically for progress updates to a boss.

我向老师汇报进度。

告诉 vs 透露

Both involve sharing info.

透露 implies revealing a secret or leak.

他透露了内幕。

告诉 vs 传达

Both involve sharing info.

传达 is passing on a message from someone else.

传达领导的指示。

문장 패턴

S + 告诉 + O1 + O2

我告诉你名字。

S + 没 + 告诉 + O1

他没告诉我。

S + 告诉 + O1 + [Clause]

他告诉我他要去旅游。

S(Abstract) + 告诉 + O1 + ...

事实告诉我们真相。

S + 向 + O1 + 透露/告诉

他向我透露了秘密。

S + 告诉 + O1 + [Idiom]

他告诉我这件事已付诸东流。

请 + 告诉 + 我

请告诉我。

把 + O2 + 告诉 + O1

把电话告诉我。

어휘 가족

명사

동사

형용사

사용법

frequency

Extremely High (Top 500 words in Mandarin).

자주 하는 실수

我跟他告诉那个秘密。 → 我告诉他那个秘密。
Do not use '跟' (with) or '对' (to) with 告诉.
他告诉得很慢。 → 他说得很慢。
You 'speak' slowly, you don't 'tell' slowly.
告诉汉语。 → 说汉语。
You speak a language, you don't tell it.
请告诉我关于你的家乡。 → 请告诉我你的家乡（的情况）。
In Chinese, the object usually follows the verb directly without '关于'.
他告诉我了。 → 他告诉我了。
While correct, often people forget to include 'who' they told. '他告诉了我' is better.

팁

No Prepositions

Never put 'to' (对) or 'with' (跟) before the person when using 告诉. Just say '告诉 + Person'.

Soft 'Su'

Make the second syllable light and short. It shouldn't be as strong as the first syllable.

Person First

Always remember the order: Verb + Person + Thing. '告诉 + 我 + 秘密'.

Secrets

Sharing a '秘密' (secret) using '告诉' is a common way to build trust in Chinese culture.

Stroke Order

Pay attention to the stroke order of '诉' to ensure it looks balanced and legible.

Context Clues

If you hear 'gào' followed by a pronoun, expect a piece of information to follow.

Metaphors

Don't be afraid to use '告诉' with abstract subjects like 'History' or 'Facts'.

Don't say 'Tell Chinese'

You 'speak' (说) a language, you don't 'tell' (告诉) it.

Variety

Once you master '告诉', try using '通知' or '汇报' to sound more professional.

Megaphone Mnemonic

Imagine a megaphone (告) and a person listening (诉) to remember the word.

암기하기

기억법

Think of 'Gao' as 'Go' and 'Su' as 'Soon'. If you have news, you should 'Go' and tell someone 'Soon'.

시각적 연상

Imagine a mouth (口) next to a megaphone, broadcasting a message to a specific person standing nearby.

Word Web

说 (say) 话 (words) 听 (listen) 秘密 (secret) 消息 (news) 朋友 (friend) 老师 (teacher) 知道 (know)

챌린지

Try to use '告诉' three times today: tell someone your name, tell someone a small fact, and tell someone what you want for dinner.

어원

The word is a compound of two characters: 告 (gào) and 诉 (sù). 告 dates back to Oracle Bone Script, showing a mouth and a cow, originally meaning to report a sacrifice to ancestors. 诉 combines the 'speech' radical with a phonetic component that also implies 'cleaving' or 'sharpness,' suggesting clear or forceful speech.

원래 의미: To announce or report formally, or to voice a grievance.

Sino-Tibetan

문화적 맥락

Be careful when 'telling' (告诉) a superior what to do; it can sound like an order. Use '建议' (suggest) instead.

English speakers often confuse 'tell' and 'say.' In Chinese, this distinction is even more rigid. Always ensure '告诉' has a recipient.

C-drama trope: '为什么不告诉我？' (Why didn't you tell me?) Song: '告诉她我爱她' (Tell her I love her) Idiom: '奔走相告' used in news headlines.

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실제 사용 상황

Sharing news

我告诉你一个好消息。
他告诉我他要结婚了。
谁告诉你的？
别告诉别人。

Asking for help

你能告诉我怎么去车站吗？
请告诉我这个字怎么读。
请告诉我你的电话。
告诉我该怎么办。

In the classroom

老师告诉我们要听话。
请告诉大家你的答案。
他告诉我他没带书。
老师没告诉我今天考试。

At work

请告诉经理我到了。
他告诉我会议取消了。
我会把结果告诉你的。
别忘了告诉他这件事。

Family life

告诉爸爸你今天做了什么。
妈妈告诉我早点回家。
他没告诉我他去哪了。
我想告诉你我爱你。

대화 시작하기

"你能告诉我你最喜欢的中国菜是什么吗？"

"请告诉我你学习汉语的原因。"

"如果你有一个秘密，你会告诉谁？"

"你能告诉我你的家乡是什么样的吗？"

"请告诉我你对这个电影的看法。"

일기 주제

今天有人告诉你什么有趣的事情了吗？请写下来。

写一件你不想告诉别人的事情，并解释原因。

如果你可以告诉十年前的自己一句话，你会说什么？

描述一次你告诉别人真相但对方不相信的经历。

写一写老师曾经告诉过你的最有用的建议。

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Yes, but they mean slightly different things. '我对他说' means 'I said to him,' focusing on the act of speaking. '我告诉他' means 'I told him,' focusing on the information shared. With '告诉', you don't use '对'.

It is neutral. You can use it with friends, family, and even at work. However, for very formal announcements, '通知' or '告知' is better.

You say '别告诉任何人' (Bié gàosu rènhé rén) or '别告诉别人' (Bié gàosu biérén).

Usually, '讲故事' (jiǎng gùshì) is used for telling a story. '告诉' is for facts or news.

In standard Mandarin (Putonghua), many two-syllable words have a neutral second syllable to make speech flow more naturally. 'Gàosu' is a prime example.

Yes! '请把你的名字告诉我' is a very common and natural way to ask for information.

'告知' is the formal, written version of '告诉'. You see it in legal documents or formal letters.

It's better to say '告诉他这件事' or '把这件事告诉他'. Adding '关于' (about) is an English-influenced structure that sounds less natural in Chinese.

Yes, it is one of the most common verbs in the Chinese language and is essential for A1 learners.

In modern Chinese, '告诉' is rarely used alone to mean 'to sue.' Instead, words like '起诉' (qǐsù) or '告' (gào) are used.